The codes and conventions of horror films were vital to me
as they gave me the basic guidelines to begin my project. Prior to creating my
own media trailer during lessons I learnt the background history of horror
films, this helped me to identify the codes and conventions of horror films
from the 1930’s through to the 2000’s. I also learnt about the different genres
of horror including Slasher, Supernatural and Psychological. My own film idea was unconventional as I
choose to draw elements from different sub-genres of horror.
I drew inspiration from audience’s fears from both the past
and present. Looking back to the original classic horror films from the 1930’s
I was inspired by the Gothic horrors released from this period such as the
first edition of ‘Dracula’ starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. I thought it
would be interesting to bring to life a gothic myth from the 19th
century to a modern audience. I decided to research into the most recent
vampire sightings within London I then discovered information surrounding the
sightings of the Highgate Vampire from the 70’s, this inspired my original
storyline of a group of youths being caught up in a Vampire hunt, however after
delivering my pitch to the class I decided that I would need to alter my
storyline as it would be difficult for me to find the resources to replicate
scene’s from the 1970’s. I then took on the advice of my peers and decided to
set my trailer in the present modern era. When researching into the most recent
horrors I discovered the documentary style/ found footage horrors have become
more popular as they induce a greater sense of realism overcoming the problem
of whether a 21st century audience would be frightened of a 19th
century monster. However I also wanted
to maintain the codes and conventions of what a vampire should look like, I
made sure my actor had a pale complexion by applying special effects make-up,
Although I wanted my character to be beautiful I also wanted her to look sinister
so she would still induce fear into my audience I decided to scar/disfigure one
half of her face. Moreover within the
images I used for my film poster and film magazine cover I painted fake blood
on her neck maintaining the convention that vampires are seductive yet sinister
and entrap their victims by biting their necks. Within the film poster for the
original Dracula from the 1930’s Karloff is attempting to bite Lugosi’s neck
this inspired my SPFX makeup. By acknowledging the codes and conventions
surrounding vampires the audience are easily able to identify the film is
gothic.
Code’s and Conventions further proved their importance
within my project as they helped me to create media products which looked more
professional and thus were more appealing to my target audience. I carried out
research into codes and conventions through looking at existing media texts and
carrying out an overview of the general conventions found within horror
magazine covers, trailers, and posters. I then analysed three existing media
texts in depth from each area to highlight what I needed to include within my
own work.
When analysing film posters I found that the colour schemes
remained the same throughout the horror posters red, black, white and grey were
all predominate colours. For my own film poster I maintained this colour scheme
of red white and black. Another convention of horror film posters my overview
highlighted was that many of the main images featured obscured facial features
for example The Devil Inside film poster features a nun with possessed eyes,
moreover the only colour used within the Woman in Black film poster is the
focal colour used on Daniel Radcliffe’s eye, Additionally the eyes of the child
within the insidious poster eyes have been scrawled out, eyes are an important
feature of the poster as they can act as a symbol of demon’s and evil showing
the dehumanised characteristics of the characters within a horror film. Within
my own film poster I used Photoshop to emphasise the dark eye makeup I used on
the disfigured half of my actors face, I also tinted her eyes red to further
show her blood lust as a vampire. Whilst analysing the film poster’s I noted a
common style of text and layout, I noted the Film Titled was the largest piece
of text followed by the slogan of the film. I maintained this layout, with the
release date at the bottom and the film website underneath. If I could have
improved my film poster I would have added logos of the Film Company as well as
credentials.
I carried out the same analytical process for my magazine
front cover I looked at an overview of film magazine’s and analysed three in
detail, throughout all the magazine I analysed I noticed the main image of used
was of the actor in character for the film they are promoting, I wanted to
maintain this convention as I felt it was important to create a symbiotic link
between my film poster and film trailer. Originally I wanted to make my film
magazine a regular issue but after editing I the cover I decided that there
were too many sell lines overcrowding the issue so I decided to edit the cover
into a Horror Special edition so it looked more sophisticated as I found the
use of too many sell-lines made it look less sophisticated.
I maintained and broke the codes and conventions of horror
within my trailer through the narrative, within my film I casted two males and
one female student and a female vampire, I took on the role of Antonio’s
girlfriend myself. Antonio the leading male is the main victim of the vampire
within my trailer this is slightly unconventional, as usually the first victim
would be the ‘Sacrificial lamb’ a woman with great beauty but little wit
according to media theorists these women are likely to be the first victim to
be targeted, However I wanted to maintain the conventions of my sub-genre,
Vampires are mythical creatures often associated with lusting their victims
into a false sense of security therefore the Vampire’s victim had to be male.
(Idyllic scenery from Insidious)
(Background information sub-title from Vengeance)
(Paranomal Activity 4 sub-heading)
Moreover when analysing the film trailer’s within my overview which included,
The woman in black, The rite, The amytiville horror, Sinister, Paranormal
activity 3 and Insidious. I noted the conventional structure which all the trailers seemed to
follow, I noted the first few scenes of the trailer began with idyllic scenes,
however I decided to break this convention as I wanted to base my trailer on
found-footage to create a greater sense of realism therefore I began my trailer
with a voice-over of a news report declaring that Antonio’s body had been
discovered mutilated the screen, During my analysis I noted that many of
trailer’s gave the audience some basic background information I done this
through a sub-title declaring that the footage was found by the police,
similarly within the trailer for the rite a sub-title appears at the beginning
giving the audience background information on exorcisms I also noted within the Paranormal activity films a similar font is used to show the footage has been documented.
I further noted that the characters within the trailer are
often searching for answers to mysteries or strange occurrences within their
lives. They may also be trying to make links between different symbols and
signs For
example in Sinister the Father of the family is crime reporter, he coincidently
finds footage belonging to the previous family whom lived in his house, he
finds there are a series of murders and each one has been recorded, after
finding the shocking evidence he decides to watch each of the tapes and finds
that the common link between them is a symbol he speaks to a colleague and
finds that the symbol is linked to a pagan called Ragual who consumes the souls
of human children. Within my own trailer Antonio, Tiana and Zack are all
looking for answers surrounding the urban legend of the Highgate vampire,
because they are history students I decided to film them in the natural history
museum looking at objects that are relevant I included a shot of a human skull
from pre-historic generations to show that humans previously had fangs a
convention of a Vampires physical appearances, I also included a shot of Medusa
as she is a mythical monster like the Vampire. Another important shot was of
Antonio entering a door which was clearly signed ‘This door to be closed’ to
show symbolize he is crossing boundaries which shouldn’t be crossed.
(Screen shot fom Insidious)
(Screen shot from Vengeance trailer)
(Screen shot from Vengeance trailer)
(Screen shot from Vengeance Trailer)
When analysing paranormal activity 3 the evidence is based on found
footage like my trailer, I noted that the main characters didn’t speak to the
camera directly, however within my own trailer I wanted my audience to
understand my characters so the film was more personal moreover because the
audience can empathise and understand the characters within the film they are
frightened and concerned when things go wrong, within my trailer I use a video
log of Antonio describing how he is feeling so the audience gain a greater
understanding of what the project has done to alter his character and to
reflect that he is becoming a subject of possession.
(Screen shot from paranormal activity)
(Screen shot from Vengeance)
I further noted the end of trailer’s became more jumpy and contained
footage of the evil within the film for example within sinister the demon ragul
is revealed moreover in the rite a possessed women is revealed to the audience
in a graphic manner. Within my own trailer I used shots from the camera in night
vision to show the vampire has been present in Antonio’s house and that his
girlfriend and friend had also become possessed by her spirit, however I didn’t
show images of Tiana being possessed as I wanted to make her the final girl,
her character composed all the traits of what a final girl should be according
to media theorist clover ‘the final girl is a bookworm’ she is ‘intelligent’
and knowledgeable to the fact that something isn’t right.Overall I tried
to stick to the conventions of the horror trailers I analysed if I could have
improved my trailer I would have perhaps created a sting towards the end.
(Screenshot from the rite)
(Screenshot from Vengeance)
I aimed to create a symbiotic link between my three pieces
of media texts my film poster, my film magazine and my film trailer. The
purpose and importance of creating a symbiotic link is so that the audience can
recognise that the media texts are all promoting the same product and can
recognise that the products come from the film brand Vengeance. I feel that I
have successfully created this link as each media text relates to the other. For
example the images used within the film poster and film trailer both use the
same character as the model, showing this consistency will bring out a greater
recognition for the film within the audience, moreover the style of the image
and the model means that features of her character act like icons for the
audience into identifying who she is. For example in many horror films the main
character or the villain has features such as special effects makeup or props
which helps establish them and thus acts as a piece of iconography for the
film. For example the killer in the Scream series is famous for his ghostly
mask which resembles the death reaper moreover the character Freddy Krueger
from The Nightmare on Elm Street is famous for his bladed finger tips and disfigured
face. I used the same concept to establish my character by promoting the
iconography of her face being half disfigured and half human the image is
strange distorted and graphic leaving an imprint in the audiences mind and
making my vampire character Jessimine easily identifiable to my audience.
Although I wanted Jessimine to act as a key piece of iconography for the film I
did not want to reveal too much of her character within the trailer as there
would be no suspense of surprise for the audience therefore she appears only
briefly towards the end of the trailer.
I feel I have appealed to my target audience through my media products, when designing my film poster I wanted to modernize the Vampire from the very first horror films. I have decided to use an unconventional twist and make my vampire a female in contrast ‘Dracula’ the very first Vampire on audiences screens was based on a male vampire from the 19th century novel. Although I wated to combine elements from classic gothic horrors I have made sure to
maintain relevance and realism towards my target audience. I wanted to make my
film relevant to my target audience as personally I find horrors more
terrifying and thrilling if I can imagine myself within that scenario, when
horrors are unrealistic they can seem almost comedic and laughable to the
audience because the plot is so ridiculous the more relevant the more of an adrenaline
rush I gain from the film because I’m worried that I may experience what the
characters did, I wanted to leave the same horrifying feeling with my audience
as essentially the purpose of horror films is to induce fear into your
audience. Moreover I felt by making the film realistic and raw it gives the
audience something new as we are often bombarded with the latest special
effects images that we become desensitized to the awe and wonders of it.
Therefore by using raw footage which appears self-shot and documented by the
characters the narrative becomes even more real for the audience.The way I have shot the film trailer gives the audience an insight into the characters lives.
To promote my film across to my target audience I would strategically
plan the places to advertise each media text. I would firstly place my film
poster in bus and train stations my target audience are aged 15-25 year olds
and many are students therefore many will still be reliant on public transport
to commute to various places, members of my target audience in urban areas such
as London may often use the tube to commute to central London for shopping etc,
therefore I think this will be an affective area to advertise poster’s as the
target audience may spot them whilst out and about. Moreover older members of
my target audience may see them when commuting from work or university this is
an ideal place to advertise as the audience will be passive and therefore more
open to taking in information. I would
also advertise my film poster within magazine’s that interest the target audience,
such as film magazines, student magazine’s and lifestyle magazine’s aimed at
both men and women in the age category of 18-25. Furthermore I would also take
into consideration the places in which to advertise my film trailer, the
primary location I would release my film trailer in would be in the cinema
itself with films connected to or associated with the audiences interest’s because
my target audience vary widely due to age and gender differences this would
range from chick flicks to action films. I would also advertise my film trailer
through the teaser website and the film production companies YouTube account,
for those who have a avid interest in the film. Moreover I would advertise my
film trailer through the target audiences general favourite TV channels during
breaks within programmes they take an interest in, the channels include Channel
4, E4, 4 music, MTV, Sky sports, Viva, and Comedy Central.
During the stages of research and planning, the internet was a vital source of information for me. It gave me many of the resources I needed. When developing an idea for my storyline Google’s search engine enabled me to research information on the recent vampire sightings in London, helping me to discover background information on the Highgate vampire which gave me a basis for my original plot I pitched to my class. Moreover Google’s Images helped me find existing media texts to analyse such as Film magazine covers and film posters. You-tube was another important resource as it allowed me to carry out analysis of existing horror film trailer’s, this gave me an idea of the composition of a horror trailer as well as giving me inspiration on what features I should include in my own trailer. You-tube allowed me to gain new skills as I learned how to make home-made prosthetic special effects gel which helped me to create the make-up I desired on my actor in a more professional way. Camera’s were also important as I was able to film the evidence of my pitch and my focus group allowing me to look over the responses I gained from my respondents and refer back to information whenever I was stuck on what to include in my products. Using a blog to record the creative process of research and planning was useful as I was able to update my blog on the go through use of my smart-phone. I was also able to make present my information in a modern and interactive format which had benefits which other formats don’t have, for example a printout portfolio of work.
Media technology was vital in filming my film trailer
previous to the project I had never used a video camera, I learnt new skills
such as how to assemble a tripod, how to create effects through lighting both
natural and artificial as well as a additional camera features such as night
vision mode I found this effect was useful in my filming as I wanted my film to
be in a self-documentary style night vision enabled me to show the characters had left their
camera recording over-night a convention I had noticed in modern horrors shot in a similar style such as paranormal
activity. I also had to adapt to Media technology in my ancillary tasks I was
lucky enough to be able to borrow a friend’s SLR camera I choose to use this
camera as it enabled me to work with an image of a greater quality helping my
poster to have a more professional feel to it. However prior to the project I
had not worked with the camera I had borrowed so I had to adjust myself and
become familiar with the functions of the camera.
Software was vital in editing both my ancillary tasks as
well as my film trailer. For the editing process of my ancillary tasks I used Photoshop CS6, this enabled me to
manipulate my images and enhance the make-up on my actor, effects such as
options of burning and tinting which helped me to modify the colours of the
image and create greater dimension and shadows to my images. I feel since year
12 my Photoshop skills have improved as I have become more accustomed to the
programme I have learnt new tools and skills and through You-Tube tutorials
which were useful for when I was stuck. Although I originally choose to use
premier pro to edit my footage I decided to use iMovie on my MacBook at home to
edit my film trailer as it allowed me to make additional changes both inside
and outside of school. I also found it easier to navigate my way around iMovie
although I had never previously used the programme I quickly adapted to it
without too much difficulty. I enjoyed the process of editing and brining my
vision of my horror trailer into reality.
Firstly I opened the image I wanted to edit on photoshop
I then selected the brush size and changed the size to my prefferred size
I then selected the overlay option
I applied the brush over the parts of the image I wanted to emphasise
I then changed the size of the brush to add detials to the eye details
I then choose the darken tool to highlight the eye area
I then lowered the saturation so the image was of a cooler tone
I then used the dodge tool to further create a pale complexion of my model
If I had to improve my work from the beginning I would plan
my time more effectively so that I could gain a greater variation of footage in
my film trailer, moreover I would try to storyboard my trailer more effectively
rather than having my actors to improvise at times. I would have liked to have
used more frightening footage in my trailer more frightening; however I was
limited to what I could shoot due to the schedules of the actors I used.
However overall I am happy with both my trailer and my film poster and film
magazine front cover I enjoyed creating the images and I put in as much effort
as possible through research and planning and the use of Photoshop to create
the vampire character I visualised with a modern twist, however still
maintaining classic vampire iconography such as the blood dripping from her
neck which was inspired by the original ‘Dracula’ poster where he is holding
her by the neck.
This year I have applied to university to study film and
television production, this project has given me a taster as to what to expect on
a smaller scale from working on a short film clip, my film trailer, in the
future I hope to be working on full length film productions my project has inspired
and taught me that working on creating a piece of media takes time, resources
and tons of creative input however through hard work the end result can reflect
your vision making it very rewarding.
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